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Nevada Paralegal Career Guide

Our guide is your starting point for launching a paralegal career in Nevada. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about how to become a paralegal in Nevada, including Nevada paralegal salary information, job outlook, and career resources. Start your paralegal career exploration with the easy to navigate directory below.

Paralegal Careers

Large law firms tend to require the most paralegal support and may be a good fit for those interested in specialization in a specific area of law, as larger firms are more likely to assign legal support staff to subject-based teams. Based in Las Vegas, Lionel Sawyer & Collins is the largest private law firm in Nevada and practices across a broad range of legal subjects. This firm has strong connections with federal, state, and local government bodies and may interest individuals interested in government or politics. Woodburn and Wedge, in Reno, is another full-service law firm in Nevada with specialized practice areas dedicated to mining, utilities, and real estate companies.

Corporate legal departments also provide numerous Nevada paralegal jobs. Large corporations in Nevada are primarily related to the gaming and entertainment industries and include Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International. Other sources of paralegal jobs in Nevada include banks and government agencies throughout the state.

Job Outlook in Nevada

Projected Job Growth

19.5%

Paralegals in Nevada from 2012-20221

The paralegal profession is expected to undergo growth as legal departments and law firms reduce attorney hiring in favor of less costly paralegal labor, expanding the role and prominence of support staff within the legal community. Additionally, corporations are expected to invest in internal legal departments to offset the rising cost of external counsel. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 17% job growth for paralegals nationwide from 2012 to 2022.2 Paralegals in Nevada should fare similarly well, as the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has projected 19.5% growth in Nevada paralegal jobs from 2012 to 2022.1

Nevada Paralegal Salary Outlook

In May 2014 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2,180 paralegals and legal assistants employed in Nevada, a significant increase over the 1,640 paralegals and legal assistants reported in May 2011.3 The average paralegal salary in Nevada as of May 2014 was $49,840.3 This average salary is competitive with the national average paralegal salary, reported at $48,350.4 Additionally, the average paralegal salary in Nevada tends to trend higher at large law firms and in urban areas in comparison to smaller firms and cities. Considering the nationwide expansion of the paralegal profession and the prominence of entertainment corporations in urban areas in Nevada, the job and salary outlook for paralegals and legal assistants in Nevada is positive.

Paralegal Certification in Nevada

Classified as paraprofessionals, paralegals are not required to obtain Nevada paralegal certification and do not have minimum training or education requirements. This allows law firms, corporations, and other paralegal employers to provide on-site training. However, employers are favoring candidates who have attended one of the paralegal schools in Nevada. Currently, the American Bar Association (ABA) has approved one Nevada paralegal program, though other Nevada paralegal programs are offered throughout the state. Upon completion of an education program at one of the paralegal schools in Nevada, candidates are highly encouraged to seek national certification from an organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

Nevada Certification

There are currently no requirements for Nevada paralegal certification. Those seeking professional credentials should seek voluntary national certification, which is generally accepted as a standard of professionalism within the legal community. Candidates should also check with the Nevada paralegal associations listed below for additional professional opportunities.

Career Quick Start Tips — How to Become a Paralegal in Nevada

As paralegal certification in Nevada is not required, paralegals in the state may begin their careers through a variety of means. Most Nevada paralegals possess a combination of education and experience, which may include an undergraduate degree with a paralegal major. Experience, including internships, can also aid those competing for Nevada paralegal jobs. Though not required at the entry level, the most competitive candidates typically possess formal paralegal education, national certification, and previous legal experience. You can read about the typical requirements for paralegal jobs in Nevada on our jobs board. You can also find out more about national certification on our guide, Steps to Become a Paralegal.

Paralegal Resources

Paralegals promote the success of their firms and are positioned to make a difference for their firms’ clients. Part of a paralegal’s success is knowing where to find the right resources when they are needed. These career resources for Nevada paralegals can help you build your paralegal career.

Nevada Paralegal Career Books

The Nevada Notary Law Primer – Paralegals are frequently asked to function as notaries as law offices seek to reduce costs. This guide to everything notaries in Nevada need to know about applicable laws and best practices in the state is essential for those performing notary acts.

Nevada Gaming Law – The gaming industry in Nevada employs a substantial number of paralegals, and those wishing to work in a legal gaming environment must understand the fundamentals of the business. This text, written by the gaming attorneys of Lionel Sawyer & Collins, serves as a primer to gaming law in Nevada including public policy issues and tips for avoiding regulatory mistakes.

Nevada Law of Corporations and Business Organizations – An excellent text for corporate and business paralegals, this guide to the Nevada law of corporations provides easy to understand answers about the statutes and processes governing business in the state. Liability, anti-takeover provisions, stockholders’ rights, and much more are covered.

Paralegal Job Search Websites for Nevada

Nevada Court Info

NVCourts.gov – NVCourts.gov is the home site for the Supreme Court of Nevada and the Nevada Court of Appeals. From this site visitors can access court rules and forms, schedules, and e-filing systems. Visitors can also perform legal research using the site’s database of past cases.

Law Libraries in Nevada

Supreme Court of Nevada Law Library – Based in Carson City, the Supreme Court of Nevada Law Library welcomes legal professionals and the general public. The library holds a state-focused collection of legal materials as well as a comprehensive selection of electronic legal resources.

Clark County Law Library – The Clark County Law Library in Las Vegas holds over 70,000 print volumes as well as 260 periodical titles, in addition to its microfiche collections and digital resources. The library is open to legal professionals and the public during regular business hours.

Paralegal Associations in Nevada

Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association – Focusing on the needs of paralegals in southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association has an active calendar of meetings and professional seminars for its membership. The association is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and members may also elect to pursue co-membership in the Clark County Bar Association. Annual dues are $65 for active members, $45 for associate members, and $45 for student members.

NALS of Las Vegas – An affiliate of the National Association for Legal Professionals, NALS of Las Vegas was founded in 1956. The organization holds bimonthly meetings and other networking events for its members. Annual dues are $165 for new active members and $29 for student members.

Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals – Based in Reno, the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The association works to promote networking and professional development in the legal support professions. Annual dues are $50 for active members, $30 for associate members, and $20 for student members.

State Bar of Nevada Paralegal Division – The State Bar of Nevada is one of relatively few bar associations that allows paralegal members. The Paralegal Division works to keep members informed of relevant professional news and development opportunities. Annual dues are $65 for accepted members.